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Senate committee advances bill directing counties to record rights-of-way across state land
Summary
Senators advanced third substitute House Bill 103 to require certain counties and state land managers to record roads and rights-of-way that cross state land and to clarify procedures for vacating or closing those roads, with carve-outs for wildlife closures and county input.
The committee recommended third substitute House Bill 103, State Land Road Access Amendments, which requires counties (in specified counties) and state land managers to record rights-of-way and clarifies the process for closing or vacating roads that cross state lands.
Representative Shelly told the committee the bill focuses on class D roads that cross state lands (including Sitla and other state-managed lands). The bill encourages counties to record those roads at the county level so they remain documented even if federal land designations change — a point the sponsor said would preserve access if boundaries are later altered. The sponsor limited the initial scope to counties that already have much of this work underway.
Witnesses from UDOT and the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office supported the bill and said it would clarify what happens when a county abandons or vacates a class D road, including the state’s role when a county relinquishes control. The Department of Wildlife Resources and sportsmen’s groups said the bill includes authority to close roads seasonally (for fawning/calving or riparian protection) and that language was added to permit wildlife closures where necessary.
The committee voted favorably; roll-call results showed a 5–1 committee vote in favor of the third substitute, with one senator recorded as opposed.
Votes at a glance: Third substitute House Bill 103 — favorable recommendation (5–1).
The bill will go to the Senate floor with the committee’s favorable recommendation.
